Neil Gaiman issues statement responding to rape and sexual abuse allegations

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Neil Gaiman has released a statement in reaction to the latest accusations of sexual misconduct, asserting his innocence.

This popular fantasy writer and script creator has been featured in a Tortoise Media podcast and graced the cover of New York Magazine, delving into allegations made by a collective of eight individuals.

The allegations against Gaiman involve him participating in “aggressive” sexual activities and BDSM without permission, as elaborated upon in a New York article that delves into particular accusations.

The novelist has firmly denied any non-consensual or illegal conduct in a statement to his blog.

Initially, he chose to remain silent, doing so out of respect for those recounting their experiences and also to avoid amplifying an already widespread amount of incorrect information.

Gaiman continued: “I’ve now reached the point where I feel that I should say something.

In perusing these recent narratives, I find instances where I feel a vague sense of familiarity mixed with unfamiliarity, as if some events are echoes of my own experiences while others seem utterly foreign. The accounts describe occurrences that side by side with events that undeniably never took place in my recollection.

While I’m not flawless, I can assure you that I’ve never been involved in any form of sexual activity without the other person’s consent.

Gaiman further explained that the exchanges between him and his accusers, which he received then and read now, appear just as they always have – as communications from two individuals who were engaged in completely consensual sexual encounters and wished to meet each other again.

In my critique, I must confess that I once found myself emotionally detached yet sexually accessible – a paradox I now deeply regret. My actions, driven by self-centeredness, were careless and heartlessly dismissive of others’ emotions.

Neil Gaiman expresses, “Much like many others, I’m learning and endeavoring to put in the necessary effort. I understand that it’s not a swift transformation. I hope, with the support of kind-hearted individuals, I will keep evolving.

Although I’m aware that some might not accept or care about what I have to say, I’m still committed to carrying out the task, for myself, my family, and those dear to me. I aim to prove worthy of their trust, not just from them, but also from my readers.

In considering my past events versus the allegations, I find no evidence of abuse. Let me make it clear: I’ve never been involved in any form of non-consensual sexual activity with anyone.

In my experience, some tales being shared today are utterly fabricated, while others have been twisted beyond recognition, losing their connection to truth and reality.

I’m ready to own up to any mistakes I may have made. I won’t shy away from the truth, and I refuse to be misrepresented or labeled incorrectly. I won’t falsely accept accusations for actions I did not perform.

Neil Gaiman’s upcoming television ventures encompass “The Sandman,” slated for a second season on Netflix this year, and “Good Omens,” originally intended as a three-season series, now condensed into a 90-minute special on Amazon Prime Video.

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2025-01-15 15:04